Find out what it is like to work at the forefront of drug therapy and get hands-on experience in managing pharmacies through the Diploma in Pharmacy Science (PHARM). This course will equip you with a foundation in biological, chemical and pharmaceutical sciences, and cover topics such as clinical trials, pharmaceutical operations, drug manufacturing and pharmacology.

In your final year, you will undertake a one-year Integrated Pharmacy Training Programme at the Pharmacy Department of National University Hospital (NUH). This will include attachments with pharmacies in NUH’s Cancer Centre and Satellite Wards, as well as the hospital's Clinical Trials Unit and Aseptic Dispensing and Compounding Laboratory — all designed to allow you to engage and learn directly from practising doctors and pharmacists.

In addition, you will take up a research project at NUH and choose one of the following three electives in your final year:

In the Complementary Medicine & Traditional Chinese Medicine elective, you will learn to evaluate the evidence behind alternative therapies and traditional Chinese medicines.

The Nutrition & Dietetic Science elective provides you with a basic understanding of nutritional and dietetic concepts, including the study of nutrients in the diet and their effects on health.

The Cosmetic & Perfumery Science elective introduces students to the science and regulatory control behind the development of cosmetic products and fragrances.

Carrer Prospects

Career Prospects

PHARM graduates enjoy a wide range of careers in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries upon graduation.

Further Studies

Further Studies

PHARM graduates can pursue a wide range of degrees offered by NUS and NTU. Applicants may be granted selective exemptions from first year modules for some of these degree programmes. Here are some examples of the type of degree programmes that pharmacy science graduates can apply for.

• Biological Sciences• Biological Sciences with a Minor in Business• Biological Sciences with a Second Major in Chemical Biology• Biological Sciences with a Second Major in Food Science and Technology• Biological Sciences with a Second Major in Psychology• Biomedical Sciences and Chinese Medicine• Chemistry and Biological Chemistry• Medicine• Psychology• Psychology with a Second Major in Biological Sciences• Science (Education)

If you want to become a pharmacist, you can also enroll into a degree in Pharmacy offered by universities in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. The following universities offer our pharmacy science graduates up to two years of exemption into their Pharmacy degree programmes.

• University of Queensland (Australia)• University of Sydney (Australia)• University of Melbourne (Australia)• Griffiths University (Australia)• University of Otago (New Zealand)

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements

AGGREGATE TYPE ELR2B2-CTo be eligible for consideration, candidates must have the following GCE ‘O’ Level examination (or equivalent) results.

This module introduces students to pharmaceuticals and the roles, responsibilities, job scope and future of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. It provides a foundation for subsequent modules in the course. Introductory topics in pharmacology, pharmaceutical science and pharmaceutics will be covered, and students will learn to perform pharmaceutical calculations to determine dosages.

In this module, students are introduced to the chemistry of hydrocarbons, alcohols, amines, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids and their derivatives. The structures, functions and chemical reactions of biological molecules, including carbohydrates, lipids and proteins and their derivatives are also covered.

This module is part of the Education and Career Guidance framework to provide students with the tools and resources necessary for their career and/ or further education. In this first module, students will undergo personal discovery and exploration of industry and career prospects. Students will learn how to and set achievable goals in preparation for their future. Students will also learn the importance of passion and professionalism, and basic teamwork and interpersonal skills.

Innovation Toolkit is designed to help you develop the innovative mindset and build up your confidence as a creative thinker. You will learn how to spot opportunities from problems through a user-centric approach - observing and interacting with different stakeholders. You will also be challenged to generate groundbreaking ideas to add value to the lives of users.

This module helps you to learn a sport as a recreational activity to keep you fit and healthy. Team building and collaboration skills are developed as you network with other students. There are a total of 19 sports electives to choose from Aerobics, Badminton, Basketball, Cheerleading, Dance Movement, Dancesport, Flag Football, Hip Hop, Life Saving / Swimming, Netball, Orienteering, Street Soccer, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Touch Rugby, Volleyball, Wellness Programme and Yoga. Outstanding students are awarded a Pass with Merit.

This module introduces the anatomy and functions of the human body. It equips students with an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal, neuromuscular, skeletal, endocrine and reproductive systems.

This module is designed to provide students with basic statistical skills to analyse and interpret simple biological, pre-clinical and clinical data. The basic statistical skills covered are descriptive statistics, data distribution, set sample size, measurement of central tendency, scatter diagram, cluster analysis and simple linear correlation & regression analysis for linear data. The presentation of data in graphical forms using Microsoft Excel covers selection and preparation
of different types of graphs, how to write titles and legends and interpretation of results.

This module provides students with a fundamental analytical knowledge of mathematics essential for the study of pharmaceutical and life science. The rules of conversion of one unit of measurement to another as well as basic mathematical operations will be covered. Students will also learn the properties governing the operation of polynomial, exponential and logarithmic functions and understand their applications in chemistry and biology.

This module provides you with the foundation to structure scientific and technical reports. You will acquire the skills to describe the current state of knowledge, articulate research aims, support claims and present findings. Through reading, discussing and debating a wide range of contemporary issues, you will develop an awareness of self in relation to society and learn to express yourself coherently, both orally and in writing.

This module aims to equip students with an understanding of current Good Manufacturing Practice regulations for pharmaceuticals and related products. Various aspects, such as attributes of materials, labeling, materials in process, finished pharmaceuticals, manufacturing validation, quality control, personnel and facilities are covered.

This module studies modern analytical techniques used for the detection, identification and quantitative determination of drugs and related substances. Techniques for the evaluation of analytical data and validation of analytical methods will be discussed.

This module focuses on the design and formulation of two-phase pharmaceutical products, including suspensions, emulsions and solid pharmaceutical products, and how they relate to absorption and drug delivery routes. Topics include drug formulations, preparation and dispensing of pharmaceuticals, introduction to biopharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, specialised dosage forms, pro-drugs, liposomes, targeted drug delivery, drug stability of various formulations and shelf life.

This module helps students to understand the causes and mechanisms of disease. Students will learn about disease processes affecting common organ systems. The mechanisms of disease, natural history and progression and implications for treatment and prevention will be discussed.

This module is part of the Education and Career Guidance framework to provide students with the tools and resources necessary for their further career and/ or education. In this module, students will explore basic job search strategies, practice writing of effective resumes and cover letters, and learn interview skills. Students will also learn professional and intercultural communication skills to prepare them for a dynamic and diverse workplace.

This module expands on the basic biochemical concepts taught in earlier modules and allows students to better understand the biochemical processes in the human body systems. The application of core biochemistry knowledge to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in clinical practice is covered.

This module introduces students to the fundamentals of immunology. The module will provide an understanding of how the immune system functions. Topics include an overview of the immune system, innate and adaptive immunity, humoral and cell-mediated immunity, immunisation, vaccination, laboratory immunological techniques, diseases of the immune system and antibody-based therapies.

The first part of this module highlights the drug discovery process and how compounds are identified and developed into drugs. The second part of the module introduces students to the chemistry of drugs and drug systems, with particular emphasis on heterocyclic chemistry and the major drug classes. They will also learn about the relationship between activity and functional group chemistry, and drug design.

This module introduces the rational selection and the use and effects of drugs on individual patients and patient groups. Students will learn the application of quantitative clinical data in the optimisation of drug therapy, as well as pertinent clinical therapeutic material that enables them to optimise patient therapies in a wide range of disorders.

This module equips students with a better understanding of good dispensing practice and patient counselling skills. Students will develop good communication skills and techniques required to respond effectively to the needs of patients in a pharmacy. They will learn about guidelines for prescription handling and practice dispensing common prescriptions.

This module highlights the use of drugs in the treatment of diseases as well as the biochemical and physiologic effects of drugs and their mechanisms of action. Students will learn how drugs are evaluated, the mechanism by which drugs act, and their side effects.

In Project A, students will undertake a clinical,operational or laboratory research project relevant to pharmacy practice in groups of two or three under the supervision of NUH staff. Students will commence Project A by attending a series of lectures covering aspects such as writing a literature review, project management and statistical analysis of data.

You've heard it. You've been told. The world is changing rapidly at a pace that dazzles the mind. Not merely a history lesson, WISP equips you with an understanding of current, major global issues. It looks at how city-state Singapore defied the odds and witnessed close to half a century of rapid economic growth, strong political ties and social harmony. WISP invites you to embark on a journey beyond knowledge, a journey that will change your life. Highlights of previous WISP activities include the 2013 Heroes Seminar, the 2012 Heroes Seminar , the SAF camp visits , a dialogue session with the Law Minister, and a discussion session with the Manpower Minister.

This module provides students with the basic skills used in the pharmacy compounding laboratory. This includes an understanding of the techniques, calculations, facilities and quality control, and assurance in aseptic dispensing. Students will learn to prepare total parenteral and enteral nutrition, IV admixtures and cytotoxic drug preparation, and will be given hands-on experience in compounding different types of extemporaneous preparations.

This module focuses on business aspects of the operation of hospital and retail pharmacies. Topics include procurement, logistics and inventory management, business automation, marketing and principles of finance pertaining to the operations of a pharmacy.

This module equips students with effective communication skills for interacting with patients, caregivers and other health professionals. Topics include how to respond to patients, crisis intervention, dealing with people from culturally diverse backgrounds, dealing with grief and loss, and patient education. Good pharmacy practice relating to the dispensing and reformulation of commercial pharmaceutical products will also be discussed, as well as the Code of Ethics, and the impact of legal and ethical issues on drug management.

In Project B, students will continue to work on their research project. Upon completion of their project, students will submit a written scientific report and present their findings by giving an oral PowerPoint presentation and a scientific poster presentation.

This module describes how philosophies of alternative medicines and therapies are used to complement those of conventional medicine. The mechanism of action, dosage forms and pharmacological aspects of selected complementary medicines and traditional Chinese medicines will be covered, including the responsibilities associated with the sale and marketing of complementary medicines.

This module provides students with a basic ​understanding of nutritional and dietetic concepts, including the role of micro and macronutrients in the diet and their effects on health. Principles of clinical nutrition and dietary requirements for special medical conditions and at different life stages will also be covered. Students will also learn to evaluate the evidence behind the use of common nutraceuticals and functional foods for health benefits as well as the regulations associated with the sales and marketing of such therapies.

This module introduces students to the science behind ​the development of cosmetic products and fragrances. The principles and scientific basis of formulation of these products, including skin care, hair care, cosmetics and perfumes will be covered. The regulatory control of cosmetics as well as the sales and marketing issues in the beauty and cosmetics industry will also be discussed.

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^ For more details on Interdisciplinary Studies (IS) electives, please refer to the IS website www.np.edu.sg/is